Prospect Spotlight: OL Troy Kropog

Tyson Qualls

02/13/2009

The Cardinals head into the 2009 season with high hopes. Their first goal before the start of the season is to replenish their squad with a few key additions. One of those could be rookie offensive lineman Troy Kropog out of Tulane. His team-first attitude would mesh well with Ken Whisenhunt's plan for the future. AZRedReport.com sat down with Kropog to discuss his strategy for making the NFL.

Listed at 6'6 316 pounds, Troy Kropog is a formidable player who could play a key reserve role on an NFL team.

The Cardinals are currently in need of a quality back up on the offensive line and Kropog could provide that depth. He was a four year started at Tulane, but bounced around positions on the offensive line.

His lack of speed may force him back to the guard position, after spending three seasons at left tackle. The speed of the game drastically changes from college to the NFL and Kropog's ability to make the leap would be a big gamble for the Cardinals.

Kropog realizes he will not start immediately.

He has been focusing on honing his talent for playing multiple positions. When asked about what makes him the most marketable to NFL teams, he responded:

"I would be a great player for any team, just in the fact that I could back up multiple positions. I'm a quick learner and an athletic guy. I feel home anywhere on the field."

The desire to play any position to help the team would bode will with a coach like Ken Whisenhunt. The hardworking, blue collar mentality is what Ken Whisenhunt has strived to bring to the desert.

Kropog knows that playing in the Senior Bowl and potentially making it in the NFL is a once in a lifetime experience. If he can focus on enjoying the ride and putting forth a superb effort, then the NFL may just have a place for him. Most likely, this won't be with the Cardinals.

While he has the potential to be a good fit for the Cardinals, they have more pressing issues to attend to. Kropog will probably be off the board before the Cardinals decide to address the depth of their offensive line.

The bottom line is not Kropog's skill, but the needs of the team. The Cardinals would be better suited to draft immediate needs and worry about solidifying the offense line via free agency. A speed running back to complement Hightower and a top tier tight end should certainly be the priorities in this situation.